Woda święcona

Abstract

Mentioning in the introduction the significance of water in various religions, and first of all in Christianity, the author remarks that it is not just the baptismal water that is meant here, but the blessed water used in other rites, albeit still connected with the sacrament of Christian initiation. Part I of the article shows the history of the blessing of water and its use in the Church, which starts as early as the 3rd Century in the East. Part II discusses the Biblical typology of water. The starting point is the work of creation. The first events are presented during which sprinkling with water is used. Part III is concerned with the theological significance of water. Two Old Testament events are the basis here: the passage through the Red Sea (Ex 14:15-31) and getting water out of the rock (Ex 17:1-7). Developing the thought the author leads to showing God as the “source of living water” Owing to this, water used for sprinkling reminds one his own baptism, and with material things it points to using them in order to sanctify the person. In Part IV the rites are discussed in which blessed water is used, i.e. sprinkling before the Holy Mass, consecration of a church, anointment of the sick, funerals, blessings, and acts of popular piety. In conclusion the author States that holy water favors consolidation of faith.